ActiveCaptain® Customer Service

ActiveCaptain® Positive Reviews

Very Good & Needs Stability FixesI have had Simrad and Raymarine chatplotters and find that Garmin is an overall better plotter, easier to use, and the app is nice to have. Being able to upgrade all of my Garmin devices from my phone makes it so much easier. I do think there is a lot of work that needs to be done to stabilize and improve the ActiveCaptain iPhone app. It constantly crashes to the point where I am unable to enter waypoints in it before trips or do anything besides just looking around on the map. I have a newer iPhone so that should not be the issue. Being able to see a list of waypoints on the app with coordinates, select one or many of them, and “share” by text or email would be a nice-to-have so I can share waypoints with others..TexanInFLAVersion: 18.1

Active Captain applicationI decided to drop some money on a new Garmin 93SV this past Christmas to start my fishing season for 2023. Lucky for me, I have a fishing friend who had previously purchased a Garmin 93SV and is a deep researcher on everything in the fishing equipment arena. When the Active Captain application became one of our conversation pieces, I liked what I heard and saw with this app and I made a decision to buy my own Garmin 93SV and learn more about this Active Captain app. The thing that I loved out of the gate with the Active Captain application was knowing when/if there were any updates for my Garmin 93SV. If so, it just walked me through it step by step. Another thing great about this application is that I can add others devices and monitor them for updates as well. Overall, I am excited about my Garmin purchase and having and having the Active Captain application that does exactly what it says it can do is a plus (+) on my purchase. Another thing I love about the Active Captain app is that it walks you through the initial setup on the Garmin fish finder and if there’s anything I do not understand, there’s a place on one of its tabs where I can contact a Customer Service Support representative to call and help me with the setup or other questions I may need help with. Not often do I give a review this early in a purchase, but this one is the exception to my rule..DC_COLLINSVersion: 30.0

Additional synch capability between iPhone and iPad would be awesome!Love the app functions including the synch capability between my I phone and my Garmin MFD. The ability to keep my MFD up to date with the latest maps and software without using a PC and a SD card to update is also awesome. I have Active Captain installed on both my iPhone and my iPad and both are logged into the same Garmin account as my MFD. I always have my phone with me when I am on the boat and synch it to the MFD every time I am on the boat. It would be awesome if there was a way to synch user data between my iPhone and my iPad without having to take the iPad out to the boat to synch it separately from the iphone. I like to plan trips on my iPad, but when my user data is not as current as my iPhone, it is less useful. I know I can take my iPad to the boat to synch it with the MFD also, but it is more time consuming than if there were a way to synch iPhone with iPad without having to have both devices on the boat..WitsEndFLVersion: 38.0

Pretty good but needs workI love that I can mirror the plotter to my phone and tablet. However, getting there took time with support. You must disable cellular data in order for Helm to show the video feed. You can still press buttons and the thumbnail will reflect that, but no video. There are in app settings and phone settings so it can be seamless. This app helps when we are cozy down below and need to get some info about what’s going on up top and around us. While we are not using it to its full potential, the bells and whistles we have are pretty great. 3 stars due to the cellular issues and cannot pinch to zoom on Helm. A few other minor frustrations. Can’t wait until any tablet can be used as a full replacement for a plotter and all instrumentation is available wirelessly. Still, hands on analog data is still pretty hard to beat. If you wanna impress the hotties, this app will do it. If you wanna impress your fishing buddies, this app will do it. Be prepared for jeers from the fuddyduddy and boomer crowd..Em AnniVersion: 25.0

Sailing Stella Maris w NavionicsExcellent experience. Application is very flexible with attention to details. It’s important to know that the application processes safe navigation techniques consider depth of vessel draw, mast height, and your own considerations for navigation depth. Always need to do due diligence to verify proposed route. Gives you a chance to review navigation hazards. Details are important when navigating the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. Solid program. Make sure you download all the maps and data required to navigate the area you are going to explore. A lesson learned is make sure your phone (secondary information source) is not exposed to the salt water during navigation. Salt will impact you charger phone port, your phone charger port, you get the drift. Lost a good Microsoft Surface computer due to salt spray and for awhile my back up navigation device. Well worth the money..CajunobserverVersion: 34.0

Active captain appI have used the ActiveCaptain app for all of my Garmin updates and had zero issues updating. I have heard of issues through social media but for my experience I have not. I am not tech savvy and at 55 years old I know us older guys that use it can do it. My favorite video is from Russellmarineproducts and josh explains how to use the app and that is how I learned how to use it. My advice is read! And watch video from Russellmarine! It also has other features on the app that you will find very helpful when fishing like way-points ect. Be sure to register your units. The app keeps track of your units and trolling motor that are registered and automatically checks for updates when the come out and you decide to update or not. Hope this review will give someone a little insight as to how helpful and convenient the app is. Have a great day..Livescope larryVersion: 26.0

New Port Cove Marine Center in Riviera Beach FLWe just spent 2 weeks at New Port Cove at Lake Worth Inlet and couldn’t be more pleased with the service, location, and personnel. While waiting for a crossing window, we had some repairs done to our trawler and provisioned for a 3 month trip to the Abacos. We were an easy walk to Boat Owner’s Warehouse, Publix, BBT bank, Walgreen’s, multiple sport fishing stores, and Auto Zone and a cheap Uber ride to Walmart. The surrounding neighborhoods have seen tough times but we were met on our dog walks through them with consistently friendly people, multiple home and property renovations, and a huge presence of Rybovich boat yard’s expansion. GM Jim Nester is doing a great job updating the marina and getting (and keeping) enthusiastic and helpful staff. This was our second stay, and we will definitely be back. With all that and a 15 minute trip to Lake Worth Inlet, what more could you want?.JME-NCVersion: 14.1

Very Buggy and slowWhen transferring charts via the app it can take a very long time depending on the amount of data to be transferred. I have about 22 Gigs of charts and most time it hangs up and fails to transfer, or if it does it hangs validating. Either way you are looking at a full day when it does manage to work. The QuickDraw community almost always hangs up transferring. The app is very slow moving from step to step of transferring information. For example it will transfer the Active Captain data and when finished it can take another 30 minutes to begin the transfer of the one chart files if it doesn’t completely hang in the process. The app sets up both a WiFi connection and a Bluetooth connection to your mobile device which is a private WiFi from your internet WiFi if network if you have one so I cannot understand why the transfers are so unreliable and slow..Centaur714Version: 34.0

A very good app!Hi, I noticed the app has a 1.8 rating so I just had to weigh in and give it 5 stars. Yesterday, I downloaded the app and synced it with my 7612xsv and everything worked flawlessly!! Connected to my home WiFi, walked through all the prompts added a 32gig card and everything worked perfectly. She updated the software, found the network, walked through every feature and just did exactly what was advertised!! I even had the 7612 and my iPhone talking so well that my mfd chart displayed on my iPhone and I could control the mfd from the phone!! It was pretty cool and will be useful when I don’t want to sit at the helm to program and create trips. The iPhone app has lots of accurate info and I’m positive I will use it frequently. So, great job Garmin, keep improving and thank you for keeping this free!! Safe boating all!!.FoxnfriendVersion: 11.1.61

Garmin Active CaptainI’ve used this app for about six months and find it extremely useful. I’ve mapped the bottom contours of my lake with my Garmin and shared the data using this app with ease. I also use this app for navigation separately on my iPad while using my Garmin’s sonar. I also particularly like the ability to mirror the Garmin screen on my iPad with this app, which allows me to take the sonar screen to the back of the boat where the down riggers are—making it easier to match down rigger depth to fish returns. Yet another function is the ability to download and install software updates for my Garmin with ease. So many great functions that make this app a must have for those who are serious about boating electronics!.12F0T0Version: 30.0

Garmin is a pure pleasure to boat withI gave this 5 stars for reliability, beautiful & clear graphics and a super friendly graphic user interface. When I purchased this GPS unit I put it on my sailboat because sometimes I like to fish from where I keep my boat moored. Now I realize it is so much more than just a fishfinder. It is an excellent navigation tool with different graphic views and perspectives and the wonderful source of information while out on the water as long as I have a Wi-Fi or cell signal. Another plus is how the device interfaces to my cell phone through Bluetooth. The user app is makes it even easier to keep updated. I can’t think of enough good things to say about this product..Walt Kf2XNVersion: 27.0

App is easier than Active Captain desktopI purchased the Southern lakes package for my Garmin Echomap UHD 94sv. I figured I could download the maps to my laptop and transfer to a Micro SD card and not have another app on my iPhone. But after not having the right SD card and taking forever to download, I decided to give the app a try. Once the app connected to the Garmin wireless it prompted me through the process and I just sat in my driveway and updated the chart plotter from my phone. And I also have the chart plotter map in my phone so if I’m ever out fishing with a friend or charter I can borrow some spots by using my phone then transfer to my unit. I did make a backup SD card with the desktop which the app cannot do..Cadamcarter1Version: 32.1

Love this appI am really new to navigating the ICW and near offshore 50 miles and closer. I am still soaking in the information and learning how all of this stuff works. My best advice is that less is definitely more when it comes to being bold vs being careful. I am learning more about the rules of the road so to speak. Actually the rules of nautical navigation. I am really pleasantly surprised by the way that Garmin has made the Active Captain app for your phone and tablet. You can actually use your phone to control your chart plotter. I look forward to applying what I have learned toward my quest in offshore fishing. Watch the utube videos on how to…. Everything! I really like it!.Boomerman44Version: 27.0

Increased ratingSimple, pay $10 for a 32GB micro SD card. Put it into the fishfinder 93SV and the unit activates Activate Captain - automatically searches, downloads and installs. My map zooming is much faster and smoother. I’m very impressed by this feature and learning the card in the unit for future auto sync updates. I wish they would stress this much more as a important cheap simple MUST DO with Active Captain app. I also have enjoyed the import export feature under the app allows me to transfer either way with Hummingbird/Minn Kota - One Boat app, all my units have the same waypoints, routes and tracks. It would be a 5 star but I want more time and practice. A retired soldier never commits fully unit they know..TomPatriotVersion: 34.0

Good app for the waterI enjoy this app a lot. I was dissapointed to not be able to load the charts onto my Garmin striker 4, but found that having my iPad in a mount worked out great. I have had zero issues with the app. I wish it were a little more intuitive to mark a waypoint. I wish it were a little more intuitive to remove clutter from the charts. Also wish it were able to auto zoom depending on speed. Even switch to fishing mode if you slowed below 5 knots. Also would be great if it uploaded your tracks and you could view them on other devices. But all in all really happy with this app..GeoNVVersion: 37.1

Great product after figuring everything out.This app is a great tool for updating Garmin chartplotters. It also is great at planning when not sitting in your boat. There is some delay and lag in getting the app to recognize the equipment (typically two attempts needed) but once connected, everything works fine. I doubt if this is a problem with the gear and more the Bluetooth/wifi connection between units. Also, Garmin support is outstanding as I have used them for an unrelated but ongoing problem with a piece of equipment that has been glitchy since purchase. The team is professional, courteous and accurate..Otto's AppleVersion: 36.0

Very Important and ValuableI am professional captain I move vessels from the US Virgin Islands to Maine. The Active Captain helps me find places to stop and what’s available when I get there! It is a perfect planing tool for a captain. Only one down side and the reason not 5 star. The new mobile app does not have the ability to record a track. The old Blue Chart Mobile could and has many tracks I laid down. I could always refer back to good water. Not all vessels use Garmin for their main navigation system. I’m never without a backup system. Garmin please add tracking on the mobile side of active tracking, or help me if I’m missing something. Captain Fred.Captain Fred HampleVersion: 15.0

Ram Marina in Rio Dulce, Guatemala, is excellent.We have been sailing in the Caribbean for ten years and Ram Marina is the best boatyard and marina we have encountered. Karen López, the manager, is friendly, efficient and keeps the work on track. Her English is excellent and she arranged Van rides to and from the airport and even made dinner reservations for us. We had high quality work done on our boat and are extremely pleased with every result. The workers are friendly, skilled, show up on time and take pride in their work. They have a fantastic paint shed where a sailboat can go in without taking down the mast; the paint jobs we saw were all excellent. The prices are good value. We highly recommend Ram Marina Maggie Salter and Al Hickey S/V Sweet Dreams.MaggieandAlVersion: 17.0

Great app when you get use to it.All kinds of features that make life easier. I hooked all my Garmin equipment up and it registered everything through active captain for me. Great for sending and receiving data from my iPad. Allows me to use my iPad as a portable MFD. Biggest downfall I have found is sometimes you have to close helm and then start helm again if the iPad isn't used for awhile. That said it only takes a second to do so not a big deal. Went Fishing yesterday and it was so nice to have my iPad right next to me watching what was going on wether on the bow of boat or in the cockpit. Great app in my opinion!.Boomboom58625Version: 14.1

Everything I need for inland adventures!I can only comment on the features used inland. I have several Garmin products and continue to be impressed with each device I purchase. Taking a little time to set up, let’s you always know where you are, where you’re heading, what time you’ll get there and what the conditions are! The Active Captain app. makes it easy to stay updated and manage your devices as well as communicate with others. I have much to learn about my new Echomap UHD 93sv, but I’m impressed right out of the gate!.Idahon8iveVersion: 31.0

Really NiceOK I am not much on debt finders fishfinders platters and I’ve always had simple ones this thing is so well advanced and easy to use sure I don’t know what I’m doing yet and I had to call for support about doing an update they walked me right through it it was simple and easy, took it out on the water this thing is phenomenal it hooks up to your Bluetooth on your phone you get your text messages and let you know where you’re going it tells you where to go this thing is awesome so much yet to learn I am really impressed.Tedkoch357Version: 28.0

I like where they are headingI actually kind of like the app and see where they were trying to go with it. Maybe I just got lucky with my setup, an iPad Pro, Garmin 942xs, and BlueChart g2 Vision HD. It’s nice that the high definition details now show up on my iPad. The wireless software/map updates and User Data Sync are also pretty nice features. Yes the app needs some work but it looks like they had put a lot of effort into it, so I applaud their efforts. I hope Garmin looks at the feedback from their users and takes is seriously. There is a lot of competition in this space and an app like this could be a big differentiator if done correctly..Ted from FloridaVersion: 11.1.61

Active captain appSo far the app has been easy to use. I’ve updated my software. I just updated the navionics. Not sure how that is working because I just did it. The only trouble so far is that it is only updating my one monitor. The other two haven’t done anything yet. So far the tech support has been awesome. I will have to give them a call back to see about the other two monitors. Only gave it a 4 star because I haven’t been out on the water since the updates..SpeedsvilleVersion: 33.0

Most useful boating aidI have a Garmin 7608xvs unit that I purchased in 2016 and updated the Active Captain app this year on my iPad & iPhone. I absolutely love the presentation on the iPad which I use on every trip we take on our boat. Extremely useful, easy, and helpful. I feel it keeps me safer on the water. Also, the Garmin guys are awesome. I could not figure out why my charts were coming up fine on my iPhone but not on my iPad. Called Garmin support and the tech spent an hour on the phone with me getting the appropriate charts downloaded to my iPad..Hatt48Version: 23.0

Review on ActiveCaptainIt’s absolutely amazing don’t know how I’ve went all these years without it I cannot wait to upgrade to a newer bigger unit it has made my fishing experience a completely different world unbelievably amazing I would absolutely recommend this to absolutely anyone whether it be for fishing navigating or just for general information for Lakes rivers and streams that you would like to check out If you do not have a Garmin an active captain you are missing out on a world of new opportunities!!!!.Todd67🎣🎣🎣Version: 26.1

Outstanding app and customer serviceLongtime Simrad user but I just bought a used boat with a full garmin in package so I had to switch over to active captain. Loading charts and connecting via Wi-Fi to download waypoints is so easy now- no more taking a chip card down to the boat for updates. The only issue was that all of the gear was registered to the previous owner- one call to customer support and they contacted the previous and changed the registration for me on the app. Great experience so far.CftsmokeVersion: 27.0

Easy and flawless!I have spent literally days trying to get my Humminbird Helix to stay connected to their app, to transfer a map that had to be purchased. It fails to stay connected, shows it transferred once so I lose access to the map, and never transfers. In 15 minutes with a brand new Garmin 1222 I had Wi-fi setup, the app downloaded and connected, and livescope and unit software updates completed through my iPhone app! Flawess like this much $ should be, wake up Humminbird!!.Mark HeizenbergVersion: 28.0

Great but not perfect.I love this App. I keep a boat 3 hours away in a Drystack. The ability to work on my charts on my phone/iPad and then sync up wireless with my chart plotter is priceless. If I had to be picky… they really need a way to sync the user data in the cloud between different mobile devices. I can work on a chart on my phone, but it doesn’t sync up with my iPad the next time I fire it up on that device. You’re required to use your Garmin account and GPX files are so small… this shouldn’t be hard to do..BeasteagleVersion: 29.0

Awesome AppVery intuitive, makes updating software and charts easy. I like that I can scout navionics charts on my phone, create waypoints and routes then sync with my plotter. Would like ability to snapshot sonar with locations saved (basically adding sonar screenshots to waypoints and viewable within active captain) and sync with the phone. Also would like the ability to see where charts have been updated -right now it tells you there has been an update but you have no idea where or what it is..BoJorrellVersion: 32.0

Great functionality; poor installation instructionsOnce installed it works great. A very cost effective means of having full visibility of my 942xs, and radar from the second station on the back deck. Finding the current installations is virtually impossible. This raises significant concerns when you get warning notices that incorrectly completing a step may damage your EchoMap and requiring replacement. The challenges ended up being worth the stress/effort in the end, but it was a rough ride to get Active Captain and Helm installed..Alaska “but” fisherVersion: 31.1

Please improveIt is really handy to use this app on my phone. I have an older Garmin fish finder that doesn’t support maps, and being able to see a depth chart of what’s ahead is almost more valuable than what the depth is under your boat. That said, the app is really basic. The chart options are limited, like how the TEXT SHOWING YOUR GPS SPEED AND HEADING REALLY SMALL. Like, smaller than the text on your phone. But you can’t change it, much like almost everything else. I know this app was probably a side thought for Garmin, but it could be so nice with a little development!.27373727Version: 27.0

Excellent fishing tool!I find the active captain app extremely easy to use. I was using Garmin home port in the past and was disappointed that home port went away. I have not been disappointed in the active captain app. The ability to add waypoints at home and look at maps away from the boat is a great tool to prepare for the next fishing trip. Garmin support helped me update my software and the app has worked flawlessly. Thanks Garmin!.SmileyGradyVersion: 32.0

Active captainEasy to use when you get use to it very handy and helpful.AsimtikimVersion: 33.0

Fantastic appThis app allows you to have touch screen with the 1022 GPS. Perfect, makes things so much quicker.Al_michaelsVersion: 25.0

Active captain appGreat tool to have on hand when I go on the big water.Domi8torVersion: 36.1

Best mappingLove this app and use it extensively with my Garmin gpsmap and echomap uhd chart plotters Highly recommend to any serious sport fishing enthusiastic..Armourpc.caVersion: 36.1

GoodGood.DYPM27Version: 36.1

Quelques difficultés au début mais…..J’ai une formation en technologie, très humblement, au début j’ai eu quelques embûches, mais après avoir apprivoisé l’application je suis vraiment satisfait, j’utilisais auparavant une application sous Windows qui était à pain in the neck. Active captain est simple, rapide à maîtriser et très conviviale. La seule amélioration que j’apprécierais est que lorsqu’on utilise l’option itinéraire auto, qu’elle ne soit pas enregistrée comme une trace qui ne se synchronise pas. Pour le reste, c’est génial, on crée nos route bien confortable chez soi et une fois au bateau pouf tout se synchronise, j’adore.Mike au CabongaVersion: 35.1

Easy to useActive captain is great for when off the water, and planning your next outing..On the water memoriesVersion: 35.1

GreatJust did an update using utube video works great.Firewhirl1Version: 35.1

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 75 Active Captain AppGreat App and positive experience based on initial setup and everyday usage. Click and go! Makes being on the water that much more fun!.JST100Version: 35.1

FlawlessEasy way to keep your echomap up to date.LoganackVersion: 35.0

Great appThe app is great to manage updates, but takes too long to load map Content into the chart plotter..Astrochris2004Version: 32.1

Nice appVery easy to use in conjunction with gamin force remote to update new trolling motor.Cooldud50calVersion: 32.1

Application compatible avec le GPSFacile d’utilisation avec le GPS 942xs de Garmin. Particulièrement avec le téléchargement des mises à jour 😊.Lou MarinVersion: 31.1

Great app.Great app. Awesome for entering waypoints then uploading to my fish finder.BassmastermarkVersion: 32.1

New to live scope and garminIt’s a great system it helps the beginners understand and it’s easy to use and download new up dates.YamaharulerVersion: 32.1

Another great Garmin productI bought my first Garmin GPS many years ago and now I am hooked. I only use Garmin for GPS and fish sonar from now on, extremely user friendly!.KeldonbenVersion: 32.1

Active CaptainTakes a bit to sort out process of uploading data from Navionics app Would be much better if it could be done as well from the Navionics PC chart viewer as well as the app. Great that routes and data can be plotted in chart viewer, uploaded to Active Captain and the synced to new plotter from Garmin..Route plottingVersion: 32.1

Nice appEasy to use!.HbnkydfVersion: 31.1

Great companion app!Makes updates simple. Help me ensure everything is up to date. Very simple app say to figure out..RogBnoVersion: 31.0

ActiveCaptainLove how easy this app is to use and the auto update feature keeps me ready to go..JmadayVersion: 31.1

Like the user friendly appEasy to use and quick.Supernewf71Version: 31.1

Great intuitive appWorks great and seems easy to use. Great work garmin.Ryan466Version: 31.0

Bonne appPourrait être un peut plus precis , et plus de détails sur le terrestre .très bon pour les mise à jours pour le sonar.Da69ersVersion: 31.0

Gets the job done!The ease of using QuickDraw community mapping made the decision for me to switch from the competitor. One word of caution, do not delete the app without making a back up file! You will lose all of your downloaded maps and waypoints!.Deebs05Version: 31.0

GarminOutstanding products weather it’s GPS units used for outdoor or military applications. Chartplotters for fishing and pan optic live sonar. Garmin has cornered the market. You will not regret your purchase..Triton hpVersion: 31.0

Très satisfait de mes appareils GarminMerci c’est très commode cette application.Pit lVersion: 30.0

Vraiment pratiqueTrès bon app.Philp418Version: 30.0

Free International Money Transfer 💸Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies while saving up to 90% over local banks! The cheap, fast way to send money abroad. Free transfer up to 500 USD!AdvertorialVersion: 43.0

ActiveCaptain® Negative Reviews

System Scan Error Message keeps popping up.I purchased a boat May 2023 with twin Garmin 1243XSV chart plotters. After updating the software and downloading what I thought was a chart, I am extremely underwhelmed. My previous Garmin echo map had so much more. also, when I got through updating my software on my Garmins, The software gave me trouble message for my twin Yamaha engines. it told me I needed to finish scanning. It said that I needed to take my boat to the Yamaha dealer. Interesting. I did the first 20 hour scheduled maintenance. Nothing was wrong. Now I get a trouble message when I open my chart plotters telling me I need to take my boat back to the Yamaha dealer. very disappointing and very frustrating. One other thing – my Auto pilot, which is connected with the Garmins does not seem to be operating the same anymore. May 2024: Now, back to the dealer for the 100 hr. They removed “System Scan” error message three times, but it kept coming back. If my phone automatically sees the Garmin Wi-Fi network it will connect, then the “System Scan” error comes back without opening Active Captain. The dealer told me to delete Active Captain app and update my charts via the SD card with my computer. This app is too buggy to use. The error message pops up every time I turn on the ignition key and has to be acknowledged before using my Garmins..Nw2000Version: 35.1

PPLEASE TAKE HELM OUT OF A/C!Latest update - WHAT bug fixes? Publish real release notes! Garmin, please pull HELM back out of Active Captain! Helm has been totally dysfunctional since being integrated into Active Captain. There seems to just be too much overhead with whatever else is going on in Active Captain, and connection, updating and reliability of Helm has deteriorated to the point that it simply can no longer be trusted. I simply do not understand what you were thinking that it you thought it was a good idea to integrate it. I LOVED Garmin Helm as a stand alone product. Now: Connection is now problematic. The screen locks up. It repeatedly disconnects from the chart plotter. It has to be reconnected every time you want to use it. The chart plotter shuts off WiFi and Bluetooth and has to be reconfigured to start the session again! None of this is acceptable when you are on the bow trying to keep an eye on the depth to drop anchor, or navigate through shoals! It is dangerous. The last thing one needs to be doing is running back down to the pilothouse to reestablish a connection when what you need to be doing is paying attention to the work at hand! You have managed to RUIN a great product. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pull it back out as a standalone product. There is no rational need for it to integrated with Active Captain. It adds no value by having them integrated, and doing so has ruined the utility of Helm..Fed up with improvementsVersion: 14.2

GPS location does not work...GPS location on the app used to work and with all Location Services turned on, it shows me in Miami?? I’m in the Bahamas! I’ve contacted customer service and after multiple responses they told me Active Captain was not designed to be a chart plotter. I don’t need it to be...just want it to show my actual location. The only thing this app is good for is plotting a course and syncing it with your chart plotter...but only after you’ve found your actual location. Was looking into a Raymarine switch but found Garmin bought Navionics! Thought paying the extra $$ for Garmin would be worth it. You guys have proved me wrong. Garmin: get your stuff together. Oh, and your customer service is only available 5 days a week?! We cruise full time but isn’t 95% of boating activity done during the 2 days you’re closed? I’m afraid all of these acquisitions are showing consumers/users you’re more interested in profitability than quality. I’ll be seeking alternatives in the future..MintonbuiltVersion: 11.1.61

Very Frustrating AppGarmin owner for about 25-30 years so have used many Garmin software products through the years. While having the ability to connect the phone to my chartplotters sounds nice, this app is filled with nuances that make the experience frustrating. Whether it’s long software download times (don’t lose power on phone or chartplotter or the chartplotter could be rendered useless warns Garmin), unspecified download times (Garmin says it could take a long time), missing steps in documentation, or connection to “features” I don’t want and can’t turn off quickly enough, this app is challenging. The good news is if you can run the gauntlet and your system restarts, the chartplotters work well. I liked the waypoint management features and capability of the discontinued Garmin Homeport software so much more than AC - in fact, I still use it..Idletime19Version: 34.0

Needs workNeeds some work. Not user friendly. I spent a lot of money on the electronics themself and everything needs to go thru this app for some reason. It will always tell me i need a active capt sd card in the slot even though i have a vision plus card already installed. Im 33 years old and can barley use the app. Garmin is going to loose all their customers who are older than me. My father already bailed to a lawance. I thought i was good to go...dowloaded the area i needed ect. Im navigating on the water and i noticed the maps and depths are not good. Turns out i need to find the tiny little button on the top right screen on the active capt app to register my charts as well... its just too much. I just want to navigate the waters safety. May be returning the chart plotter to west marine if the next few trips dont go better..Ryan&&&Version: 30.0

Active Captain AppIn general, the app works and does what’s supposed to sometimes better than the chart plotter However, the business of connecting to the boat Wi-Fi and then connect to the local Wi-Fi that has an Internet connection is very clumsy. I don’t understand why the boat cannot connect to the local network and the app be designed to also discover the boat that is on the local network, that way we can download software updates, chart updates and not fiddle back-and-forth connecting to the local network and then to the boat network. I understand that you would like to make sure the software is completely downloaded to the phone in case the network stops working or some other glitch. That way you can control the download from the phone to the chart plotter.W.L.C.Version: 35.1

Average app & systemI switched chart plotters from Raymarine to Garmin at the electronics store recommendation & haven’t found anything superior with garmin. Perhaps it’s just me but I cannot view my garmin chart plotter on my ipad, raymarine connection was a snap via bluetooth, the admiral was happy plus it gave me an extra set of eyes. I’ve also found garmin auto route sub par, it seems to plot what it wants not what I want & way too many non “hazzards” pop up requiring constant stabbing “ok” on the screen. Not sure of any benefits to the active captain app, I like to sit home and plot a course & transfer to the boat, my workaround is to use the argo app and then manually enter it into my plotter. C map is also a disappointment. Perhaps i’ll post this on trawler forum & down east sites, hope its just something i’ve overlooked or missed..Cap'n Ed999Version: 34.0

Don’t try to install it!Unless you live a life devoid of other commitments, don’t attempt to install this application! I have spent DAYS trying to divine what exactly the next step might be to get this thing up and running. Every time I turn a corner I slam into another wall. My current complaint (#8 or 9) is that the chart update and the active captain community update keep cancelling each other out. I’ll get 35% into the charts, then the Community update takes over and kills it. I get 47% into the Community update, then the charts take over and kill it. I watched it go through this cycle at least 10 times over the past HOUR. Now I’m trying to get in touch with Garmin. The “help desk” says they will return my call “between 1 hour 59 minutes and 2 hours 23 minutes” from now! 🤬🤬🤬. If your life is empty and you need a way to fill your days, this might be for you. If not, buy something else!!.SMLBillVersion: 15.1

This is a rip off. don’t buy.Do not even think of buying this product unless you’ve recently purchased a new Garmin chart plotter. If you have an older chart plotter like me they will not let you download your already purchased chart and will force you to buy a new one to use this app. And the new charts will cost you $200 plus. This is an outrageous sum for what is essentially just a backup tool to your chart plotter. Additionally, as others have noted, this is a poor replacement for bluechart Mobil which is far superior to this app. Unfortunately, bluechart Mobil is no longer being supported by Garmin so you’re out of luck if you don’t already have. But if you already have blue chart Mobil, stick with it and don’t upgrade to this inferior overpriced product. And by the way, if you already purchased maps in bluechart Mobil recently they won’t honor that either if you try to transfer to this app..Amego99Version: 15.10

Not intuitive like Garmin applications and equipment should beBought a Garmin GPS for my boat because I have them in the seven airplanes that I own. The Garmin GPS works fine but trying to interface it with active captain is completely not intuitive. What little manuals you can find about it are very poorly written and the videos go so fast that you can’t follow them. Takes forever to download and authenticate maps. I probably spent 10 to 12 hours and just now getting things to work. Seriously Garmin I know how well your aviation applications work you really need to have some of your top rate software engineers work on this product hard. You can eventually get this application to do what they say but not with out a lot of trial and error, and frustration. ..Wayne3-15Version: 23.0

Totally unusable.When I launch the app and attempt to log in, a screen with two check boxes (asking me to agree that using charts is dangerous, and to agree to their lack of privacy policy) appears. I tick both check boxes, and the login screen appears. I enter my login info and seconds later that first screen with the check boxes appears. Over and over again, that screen refreshes, and nothing I do will get out of that cycle. After a few cycles it logs me out. I’ve had the same experience with an old Garmin account and with a brand new one I created with a different email address. No response from support when I emailed. Trash fire app. Sure would like to update my chat plotter’s firmware and pay for some charts. Extremely frustrating. Huge failure, Garmin..SpeeeedVersion: 21.0

Mediocre software at bestI’m regretting my purchase at this point - perhaps the functionality to activate *pre installed charts* is in here, but if so, it seems to be buried in a location not easily found, or requires a convoluted process that either doesn’t work properly or is not clearly explained. I could go on, but suffice it to say my chartplotter gives me the message that the chart subscription has not been activated, and that I need to ‘connect my mobile device to the chartplotter’, while at the same time I can see the chartplotter and the active charts subscription in the ActiveCaptain app, and I am currently looking at a screen telling me my mobile device is connected to the chartplotter..PaulramoneVersion: 33.0

Garmin and active captain is a joke!Let me be clear their advertising is misleading at best and criminal on its face. I bought a 93sv UHD. This unit can record sonar and even use active captain. The problem is you can never view your recording. They do not support it. You’re basically recording your favorite spots and giving the info to Garmin, without you ever being able to use it. Active captain is missing features and therefore does not let you record on this unit. As best I can tell, Garmin uses active captain to gain access to your information and your favorite fishing spots. As a matter of fact, if you use community contours it actually takes away detail from the built in lake maps. Wish I had not bought this Garmin unit..GhourfjgreVersion: 27.0

Terribly frustratedWhere do I start. Amounting works simply and intuitively. And helpful and nice as the Garmin product support people Are they are saddled with crazy bad functionality. I have spent days tying to connect my ipad. Still not possible. Meanwhile I have been charting on board and it is maddeningly complicated. I always match my Navionics route to my Active Captain route and talk me probably 15 minutes back to the place. I’m starting over again. Because my iPad is still not connected to my chart plotter and the functionalities aren’t all there apparently on the iPhone app I have to do my course plotting on board on a rocking boat often times. Any slight slip and it seems to send me back to to go and I start again..Trish KarterVersion: 36.1

Horrible designVery promising ability to connect to the garmin network but horribly executed. The constant jumping back and forth between networks is obviously designed by folks who have never tried to use this. Unable to run if you have mobile data connection and Wi-Fi, very unstable. No way could this app be any part of a vessel infrastructure. It is a toy at best and barely can perform upgrades. Garmin refusal to allow network joins to present a single Wi-Fi vessel interface is embarrassing. With a rubbish excuse of needing to provide a stable network it delivers none of it. If that was true they would never allow connection to nmea2000. More excuses to lock users into a feeble infrastructure. Just horrible..Xx66637782Version: 35.0

Slow transfer timesMy problems: Update transfer times - it takes seconds to transfer the updates (be they chart or software) from the cloud to the Active Captain app on my iPhone 15 but it will take HOURS to transfer these from the phone to my 8612xsv chartplotter. Any interruption like an incoming phone call will send the process back to the start! I generally give high marks to Garmin and their support but the transfer times are like downloading a 5 GB movie over a 300 baud modem! Harmon really needs to fix this. User information on transfer times - during an update transfer, nether Active Captain interfaces (phone and chartplotter) give the user much information on the size of the files or the estimated completion time needed for them. This would help knowing how long you will need to have your smartphone tied up in a file(s) transfer. Because these problems have persisted for so long without being addressed, I rate it two stars..Upwind 256Version: 36.1

Great App, not ready to replace Blue ChartOverall a good start with major issues. First, the fonts are TO SMALL! I’ve harped at Garmin about this for a long time with their plotters. And I have 20/20 uncorrected. Lots of other small issues like not enough characters in the wot field when creating the title, poor search features, no off the water info, like what town you’re in so searching for something on land where you want to boar near is difficult......and too much more to list here. But I’m a strong Garmin supporter and have the confidence they’ll fix it. App is the worst! Didn’t remember my sign in or password, Doesn’t update software or mapping easily an overall a pita..LrrryoVersion: 32.1

Disappointed- not surprised. Garmin’s UX / UIIt seems as though if it’s not for aviation- garmin puts their UX / UI on the back burner. This app could be tremendously better if Garmin spent 1/10 of their time spent on aviation products on their marine products. I downloaded this app to go with 8616(?) unit to share sounding data with our other vessel. This was working well for about a month and now it tells me “no compatible devices found” even though it’s all the same and nothing aside from an app update changed. I made sure everything was the same version, updated, tried resetting the wifi networks etc..SailorkidVersion: 24.0

Many anomalies on chartsLake of the Woods ON Canada the charts for the lake have many odd contours often in a narrow channel where detail is important. Very frustrating to work with. Have to rely on paper charts for accuracy..Hugh BurtonVersion: 36.1

Echomap UHD72SvProduit correct, mais impossible de télécharger des cartes dedans et quand on demande du support il faut laisser un message. Le problème il nous rappelle, mais le lendemain!! Pas très pratique. Bonne chance pour trouver le numéro de téléphone. Je ne recommande pas ce produit!.Voyageur en sacramnentVersion: 36.1

Can't see purchased charts on IOS phone APPI have purchased a set of maps and installed them on my fishfinder however, I see it on my phone app but can't select it. Unfortunately, the region that I'm in the Chart that comes with the app is not adequate. There's no way to select my purchase chart in the app..Lily wilyVersion: 36.1

Terrible appI bought an expensive Garmin Navionics card and it appears and Garmin Echo2 chart plotter can’t understand it. Looks like dumb hardware vs clever navionics software..J88LuehdbdVersion: 36.0

Garmin dropped the ballGarmin is the best forward facing sonar but pairing it with navionics makes it necessary to have a second graph (lowrance or humminbird) with lake master or angler’s edge mapping. The activeCaptain app is not user friendly and navionics mapping will not load. This is the 2nd fish finder that came with navionics and I would recommend that future buyers be prepared to be disappointed. Garmin needs to pair with lake master or angler’s edge. Both products work great in Canada.Coach NVersion: 36.0

This app has become a little buggyToo buggy. The tide and current info is often only available if you download or delete a section of the chart..Donb@#&34Version: 36.0

Reset Password?Server error Download and install updates? Incomplete guide and no notice when (if??) complete The confusion on the app is matched by the confusion in the owners manual..M120755055605Version: 36.0

It sucks because it do not down load quick contours mapping.Very disappointed with the time it takes to get your quick draw nothing downloaded to the quick draw community.Charmer Dakota GracieVersion: 35.1

Uploading maps from purchase online is garbageBrutal.D.G.H.Version: 35.1

So confusing!One of the worst app I tried so far, time to move on!.Major_NelsonVersion: 35.1

Purchases don’t workHave bought 2 separate chart subscriptions through this app (it costs 2-400 dollars extra for good mapping with garmin units) and they didn’t show up in the app. Matter of fact the app is still trying to sell me the same subscriptions to get charts in this area. Have contacted Garmin still haven’t heard back. Trying to solve this issue online brought me to a Facebook group whose purpose was to dissuade people from using this unsupported marketing gimmick app and rather use Garmin Express to load charts and updates. I will not spend any more hours or jump through hoops to use a several thousand dollar unit. It will either work as they state in there marketing material or it will be returned.CananajfkflmshsVersion: 35.1

Impossible à contacterJe vais changer mon pointage quand je vais recevoir mes carte je vient d’acheter navionic + pour 250 $ mais je n’ai même pas eu les cartes !! Et aucune aide.EddymegmelVersion: 35.0

Garmin is a rip offMajor money grab. The max side Nicro sd card the 8612 will accept is 32G. You can only download less than 32G “like maybe 27G or less so the unit will still operate” of data onto micro sd cars. Which is about the province of bc. So if you pay for Canada and Alaska charts you cannot download the entire purchase onto one SD card. You would have to download onto several 32G micro sd cards. Then insert the one you would be using. Total scam. This is not what I payed for. I think I will buy a Lawrence and sell all my Garmin products. With Lance, you can buy all your charts on a microSD card and just simply plug it in without an annual fee..SdyhvbmjfdcVersion: 34.0

Update infoPrevious app used to tell me what version of software my units were operating on, and if there is updates available. Now I can’t find any of this information.Idontwantto123Version: 34.0

Not everything worksThe app is ok. You can update your FF no problem. My vivid 7sv will not show up under registered devices. Even Garmin couldn’t help. They need to revamp this app..SinckyVersion: 34.0

Too confusing not able to make it workNot worth the trouble Still complicated to use Tying up cellphone for 30+ minutes is not acceptable. Need another way to download.Senio007Version: 34.0

Keep getting a server errorRe-downloaded many times and keep getting a server error.KG2024-1Version: 34.0

Nothing compared to Navionics for MobileVery few mapping and logging features in Active Captain compared to the excellent Navionics mobile app. A total disappointment..Ocean123321Version: 34.0

Échomap 62CV SeeDooLe pire des appareils à configurer. Totalement insatisfait.See-DooVersion: 32.1

Navionics+ doesn’t get you any chartsBought the Garmin echomap ultra 106sv with navionics + but every lake I try to download doesn’t have a chart or prompts me to buy…why didn’t I just buy the card in the first place 🤦🏼‍♂️.Not a fan of shawVersion: 32.1

Don’t botherThis is useless, it’s slow, inaccurate, and cumbersome. Can’t even mirror fish finder soundings. Garmin shame on you!.BruceluckVersion: 32.1

Inactive CaptainImpossible to sync with my Garmin 94s.Ian BainesVersion: 32.1

TerribleJust a brutal set up Garmin should be embarrassed.GARminActiveVersion: 31.1

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